At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a method for manufacturing a three-dimensional photonic crystal including a plurality of stacked layers having periodic structures where the thickness of the periodic structures in a layer are adjusted such that the layer satisfies the following equation: neff1.times.H1.times.M=neff.times.H wherein H1 represents the actual thickness of the layer, neff1 represents the actual refractive index of the periodic refractive index structure, H represents the design thickness of the layer, neff represents the design effective refractive index of the periodic refractive index structure, and M represents a coefficient inclusive and between 0.5 and 2.0.